TITLE
    PowerBook 3400: Video Out Specifications
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		21098
3/10/97
10/6/97
TOPIC

    This article describes the PowerBook 3400 built-in video out specifications.

DISCUSSION

    The PowerBook 3400 computer has a 16-bit video out VGA connector built into the backplane for an external video monitor. The connector is standard DB9/15 for use with VGA or SVGA monitors.

    You can connect a VGA or SVGA monitor all the way up to a 21" monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution projected in 256 colors (8-bit). Video projection devices can also be attached via the VGA connector.

    Video Adapter
    An optional video adapter allows the user to connect a standard Apple video cable to the computer. The adapter is similar to another video adapter used with older Macintosh PowerBooks. The adapter is granite colored and enables the PowerBook 3400 computer to recognize a wider range of monitor types. The Apple part number for the new adapter is 590-0289-A.

    Video Ram
    The PowerBook 3400 ships with 1MB of VRAM which enables it to support up to 16 bits per pixel on most monitors, and up to 8 bits per pixel on larger monitors.

    NOTE: The video ram (VRAM) is not upgradeable.

    Colors Supported
    16 bit (thousands) at 640x480
    16 bit (thousands) at 800x600
    8 bit (256) at 832x624
    8 bit (256) at 1024x768

    Video Mirroring
    There is no video mirroring control panel/strip. If the external monitor can display 800 by 600 pixels at 60 Hz, the PowerBook 3400 computer can display simultaneously on both the external monitor and the flat panel display. This mode of display, called Simulscan, provides the same information on both displays.

    Examples: When connected to a 17" Multiscan monitor:
    • 640x480 67Hz - Thousands of colors (external monitor available only)
    • 800x600 60Hz - Thousands of colors (Simulscan "Mirroring")
    • 800x600 75Hz - Thousands of colors (external monitor available only)
    • 832x624 75Hz - 256 colors (external monitor available only)
    • 1024x768 70Hz - 256 colors (external monitor available only)

    Monitor Pixel Depths

    The following table lists the pixel depths supported for each type of monitor.
    Monitor Pixel Depths
    Monitor type
    Resolution
    Bits per pixel
    12-inch color
    512 by 384
    1, 4, 8, 16, 24
    12-inch monochrome
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8
    13-inch and 14-inch color
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    VGA and SVGA (2)
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    SVGA
    800 by 600
    1, 4, 8, 16
    SVGA
    1024 by 768
    1, 4, 8
    Full-page monochrome
    640 by 870
    1, 4, 8
    Full-page color
    640 by 870
    1, 4, 8
    16-inch color
    832 by 624
    1, 4, 8
    Apple 15-inch multiple scan
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 15-inch multiple scan (3)
    800 by 600
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 15-inch multiple scan
    832 by 624
    1, 4, 8
    Apple 17-inch multiple scan
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 17-inch multiple scan (3)
    800 by 600
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 17-inch multiple scan
    832 by 624
    1, 4, 8
    Apple 17-inch multiple scan
    1024 by 768
    1, 4, 8
    Apple 20-inch multiple scan
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 20-inch multiple scan (3)
    800 by 600
    1, 4, 8, 16
    Apple 20-inch multiple scan
    832 by 624
    1, 4, 8
    Apple 20-inch multiple scan
    1024 by 768
    1, 4, 8
    NTSC TV monitor (2, 5)
    512 by 384
    1, 4, 8, 16, 24
    NTSC TV monitor (5)
    640 by 480
    1, 4, 8, 16
    PAL TV monitor (2, 5)
    640 by 480
    16 only
    PAL TV monitor (5)
    768 by 576
    1, 4, 8, 16


    Notes
    1
    		The computer does not provide a display with 2 bits per pixel.
    2
    		Indicates the startup resolution for non-multiple scan monitors. Other resolutions can be selected using the Monitors control panel or the control strip.
    3
    		For multiple scan monitors, the table indicates the default resolution with an asterisk. For example, when first connected to the computer, an SVGA monitor's display resolution will be 640 by 480 pixels. The user can switch to a higher resolution by using the Monitors control panel or the control strip. The resolution set by the user will be used the next time the computer is started up.
    4
    		When connected to a non-multiscan monitor you will only get the external monitor at the set resolution.
    Example: Apple 16" monitor 832 by 624 75Hz - 256 colors
    5
    		Requires Apple Presentation System (M2895LL/A) or similar adaptor.

    Apple Presentation System (M2895LL/A)
    The Apple Presentation System makes it easy for you to create a presentation on your Macintosh, then display it to an audience on a larger television screen exactly as it appears on your Macintosh display. You can also connect your Macintosh to a VCR and record your presentation on videotape for easy and inexpensive distribution. The Apple Presentation System comes with software, cables, and video converter box. Unlike the Apple Video and Apple Video/TV systems,the Apple Presentation System can be used with any Macintosh that has a VGA or Apple 13/14-inch RGB output. This list includes, but is not limited to, any PowerBook with VGA or Apple 13/14-inch RGB output, Macintosh LC, Performa 400-600 models, Centris, Quadra, or other Macintosh systems with VGA video out.


    This article was published in the 18 March 1997 "Information Alley."

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: PowerBook
Sub Category: PowerBook 3000 Series

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